PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 5:33-37
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.” (Matthew 5:37)
Jesus is not speaking against taking oaths in court or oaths of office.
He is challenging those who use their words to deceive or move others.
They use flowery words to embellish their testimony, to manipulate others.
In terms of prayer, don’t use impressive language to make God listen.
Speak simply, speak from the heart, and let your heart speak for itself.
I know that I am prone to shaping my words to get a response.
I also know that I subtly tell stories in a way that makes me look better.
These are all examples of ‘false testimony’, and they do not impress Jesus.
God is not moved by our fancy prayers, he already knows what we want.
The simplicity of Jesus’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) has always struck me.
Such a contrast to the lengthy prayers I have used or heard in church.
Jesus calls for simple honesty and integrity in how we speak to God and others.
“The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11)
I wonder if this also has something to say about my preaching…?
PRAYER
Lord, I admit it, I use excessive words to embellish what I say. Help me to trust my words less, and to trust your Spirit more. Help me to speak more simply.
Lying, manipulating the truth, expletives to emphasize the point, neglecting key information etc. are ways we try to get our way and persuade others – but its wrong – driven by ulterior motives and not by simply conveying correct information. Jesus says: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” – yet we add to it – even using Bible passages or quotations from others to make our point. It is a form of abuse and I know I need to be careful with that – especially in areas of sensitive differences in understanding or application of scripture/confessional readings. I need to be honest and fair and not massage or manipulate the information to make my point – but rather allow the other person to receive the information and think on it on their own. Forgive me Lord for thinking I’m right and pushing my view point strongly instead of simply sharing information and saying yes or no without drama or strong adjectives. Holy Spirit lead me and your children to the truth.
Be truthful.
Let your yes be yes and your no, no.
Speak the truth in love.
Words are powerful. They can bless or they can destroy.
Use words to show the love of God to build up.
Use words as instruments of His peace.
Use His Word.
Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
And A Light Unto My Path [2]
When I Feel Afraid
And I Think I’ve Lost My Way
Still You’re There Right Beside Me
Nothing Will I Fear
As Long As You Are Near
Please Be Near Me To The End